John B. Gummo

John B. Gummo John B. Gummo, 64, of Port Matilda, formerly of Tyrone, died Wednesday, September 27, 2017. John was born in Philipsburg, the son of Robert LeRoy and Amber Francis Way Gummo who preceded him in death. Mr. Gummo is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Cothron Gummo. Also surviving are two sons, Scott Robert (Caroline) Gummo, of Tyrone and Benjamin Roy Gummo, of State College; one brother, Barry Gummo, of Port Matilda; one sister, Karen Lynn, of Hollidaysburg; and two grandchildren whom he adored, Maverick John and Kingston David Gummo. Also surviving are three step-children, Ashley, Kristin Nicole and Thomas Sims, all of Tampa, Fla. John was a graduate of Tyrone Area High School class of 1971 where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He went on to play baseball for The Pennsylvania State University and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in May of 1975. He excelled in baseball but, unfortunately injuries caused him to cut the game short. In 1985, at the age 32, he started a retail clothing and merchandise business, The Family Clothesline, in the small basement in downtown State College. The store has since grown to be the largest Penn State retail store in State College. John enjoyed his noontime basketball games with his close friends at the IM building. He also loved the game of baseball and managed and played for the Rays in the Centre Sluggers baseball league in State College. He was heavily involved in many communities and always put his children at the forefront. He enjoyed attending all of their games and ceremonies and through love and a well-developed work ethic raised them to be great men of whom he was very proud. John was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman who traveled the world with his close hunting family on many trips to pursue the game he loved to hunt. He was also a wonderful story teller and worked in "To make a long story short", whenever he could. His quick wit and lightheartedness kept many outings with his friends and family very humorous and enjoyable. John also enjoyed the companionship of his dog Buddy who he is now reunited with. All who knew John loved and respected him. He was a man with an enourmous heart and a humble demeanor. He always kept in mind where he came from and was always willing to give back to the community and the backgrounds that he grew up in. Whether it was building a baseball field for the Bald Eagle Teener League or donating back in many ways to the local sports teams and charities much of what John did will go unknown because he didn't want the praise and recognition, he simply wanted to help out. John Gummo believed that we should always pay it forward, not pay it back and that the right thing should always be done no matter what the cost was. He did not believe in cutting corners and instilled in his family as well as his employees that if you do something right the first time then you won't have to worry about going back and fixing it later. Life is 10% what happens and 90% of how you react to it. Friends will be received on Thursday, October 5, 2017, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepard, 1650 Clay Avenue, Tyrone, PA 16686. Funeral services will be held at the church at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to a scholarship set up in John's name. You may donate at https://www. youcaring.com/tyronesportsprogrameduca tionjohngummomemorial-969127?utm_source=mandrill&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Link&utm_campaign=Organizer